TEL AVIV, Nigeria — Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has made one of the country’s most direct threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring on Thursday, June 19, 2025, that the cleric “cannot continue to exist” in light of recent escalations between the two nations.
Katz made the statement while visiting Holon, a city just south of Tel Aviv, which sustained damage from a recent Iranian missile strike.
The visit came days after both Israeli and American leaders intensified rhetoric aimed at Tehran’s leadership.
“Without question, Khamenei cannot continue to exist as part of this war,” Katz was quoted as saying by several media outlets.
In a separate social media post, the minister described the Iranian leader as “cowardly” and said he “will be held accountable.”
The comments echo recent remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier this week described Khamenei as a “modern Hitler” in an interview with ABC News, warning that his elimination could be the key to ending the conflict.
Netanyahu declined to rule out the possibility of targeting the Iranian leader directly.
U.S. President Donald Trump also entered the fray, stating in remarks on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, that while there are currently “no plans” to assassinate Khamenei, both the United States and Israel are aware of his location.
“He’s an easy target,” Trump said, adding that Iran should not test U.S. patience by attacking American forces or civilians.
“Our patience is wearing thin,” the president warned.
He also confirmed that he had issued what he described as an “ultimate ultimatum” to Iran, with military options on the table.
“I like to make a final decision one second before it’s due,” Trump said, declining to specify a timeline for action.
Trump’s comments follow mounting speculation about potential direct U.S. involvement in the conflict, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear facilities.
He has repeatedly signalled a willingness to strike Iranian infrastructure should diplomatic efforts fail.
Responding to the threats, Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, said Iran “will never surrender,” dismissing calls for unconditional capitulation.
His remarks came after Trump urged the Islamic Republic to halt its nuclear programme without preconditions.
The escalation in rhetoric follows a wave of Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites and infrastructure, as well as retaliatory missile attacks by Iran.
Israeli officials have confirmed extensive operations targeting missile sites and facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The intensifying standoff has stoked fears of a broader regional conflict, with international observers closely monitoring developments.
